Mission To implement and to coordinate a comprehensive volunteer program to supplement and support the high quality mental health services provided by the Eastern Shore Hospital Center.

The ESHC Volunteer Services Program is open to all individuals and organizations who are interested in providing direct services to benefit the patients of the Eastern Shore Hospital Center. As a volunteer, we offer you the opportunity to be involved in:

interesting volunteer job assignments with the chance to learn new skills either working directly with patients or "behind the scenes"

annual training programs on pertinent health topics

ESHC, state, and regional events

holiday and seasonal events and parties

fundraising events, such as an annual 10KRun/3K Walk and Community Health Fair

ESHC's annual Celebration of the Arts and Art Sale

Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore Hospital Center, Inc.

Mission To offer volunteer and financial assistance to hospitalized mentally ill patients who often have little or no support outside of the facility. A major goal for the Auxiliary is to reduce the stigma attached to individuals diagnosed with mental illness.

BeginningsThe ESHC Auxiliary was chartered in 1952 as the 1st organized Auxiliary in Maryland affiliated with a state mental health facility. Its sole purpose was to provide direct benefit to the residents of ESHC. In the 1960s, the Auxiliary became the 1st facility to eliminate drab uniforms worn by patients and to provide “normal” clothing for them. Today, the Auxiliary operates 2 successful businesses at ESHC, a full-service Main Street Café and the A. May Thompson Shop that features new gift items and slightly used clothing. The proceeds from these businesses are designated in the treasury to solely fund projects for patients.

Membership is open to all individuals and organizations who are interested in advocating and supporting the patients of ESHC. Annual Dues are $5.00 per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). You will receive announcements and invitations to special events as a member of the Auxiliary.

Meetings are held at ESHC on the second Tuesday of each month, except July and August. Three luncheon meetings are planned per year with the Annual Meeting and installation of officers held every June.

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A. May Thompson Shop

Main Street Cafe

"We cannot live for ourselves alone.... Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as cause and return to us as results.” Herman Melville

If you have any comments or questions regarding this site, please contact the ESHC Webmaster at (410) - 221 - 2470 .